US20070060323A1 - Gaming machines having rhythmic reels - Google Patents
Gaming machines having rhythmic reels Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070060323A1 US20070060323A1 US11/217,862 US21786205A US2007060323A1 US 20070060323 A1 US20070060323 A1 US 20070060323A1 US 21786205 A US21786205 A US 21786205A US 2007060323 A1 US2007060323 A1 US 2007060323A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- reel
- reels
- spin
- duration
- gaming machine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/34—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements depending on the stopping of moving members in a mechanical slot machine, e.g. "fruit" machines
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
- G07F17/3269—Timing aspects of game play, e.g. blocking/halting the operation of a gaming machine
Definitions
- Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to gaming machines having rhythmic reels.
- Gaming machines have been developed having various features to capture and maintain player interest. Traditionally, gaming machines garner player interest by providing the player with the opportunity to win cash awards based upon a player's wager. Accordingly, various types of games or game features have been developed to provide players with the opportunity to win large sums of money for a small wager. For example, games may include one or more bonus games or the opportunity to win progressive jackpots in order to maintain player interest.
- gaming machines have grown in sophistication and features to maintain player interest.
- the mechanical reels of traditional gaming machines have been replaced with video depictions of spinning reels.
- These video gaming machines provide a richer gaming experience for players by including graphics or animation as part of the game.
- mechanical gaming machines continue to be successful even though there are physical limitations as to the features that may be provided on a mechanical gaming machine.
- symbols on the mechanical reels are located at fixed positions on the reels so that the symbols cannot be readily moved or animated. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for slot machines variants that provide a player with enhanced excitement without departing from the original slot machine gaming concept.
- rhythmic effects are directed to gaming machines having mechanical reels having variable spin rates in order to provide rhythmic effects.
- the rhythmic effect is stopping the reels at predetermined intervals.
- the rhythmic effect is the result of increasing the spin duration of subsequent reels to generate player anticipation.
- the rhythmic effect is stopping all the mechanical reels at approximately the same time.
- the gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels.
- the gaming machine also includes a game controller for generating a game outcome and determining a spin duration for each of the reels.
- a reel control unit which is in communication with the game controller, determines the appropriate spin profile based upon the game outcome and the spin duration.
- the gaming machine includes a plurality of stepper motors that are in communication with the reel control unit and are operatively coupled to the mechanical reels to independently spin each reel.
- One method is directed to controlling the movement of each mechanical reel in a gaming machine.
- the gaming machine includes a plurality of reels that have indicia provided on the outer surface of each of the reels.
- a game outcome comprising a combination of indicia is generated.
- a spin profile is determined.
- the spin profile comprises rotational speed settings for each of the reels.
- Each of the reels is then spun according to the spin profile, and each reel is stopped at a designated stop position that corresponds to the game outcome and for the designated spin duration.
- the movement of each reel in a gaming machine is controlled to synchronize the stopping of the reels.
- the gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels.
- a game outcome is generated that dictates the final position of each reel and a particular spin duration for each reel.
- An appropriate spin profile for achieving the game outcome for each reel is determined and is based upon the current position of each reel, the desired final position of each reel, and a particular spin duration.
- Each of the reels is then spun according to the spin profile and synchronized. Once synchronized, the reels are stopped substantially simultaneously to depict the combination of indicia corresponding to the game outcome.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a gaming machine having rhythmic reels
- FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one method of independently controlling each reel of a gaming machine
- FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one method of determining a spin profile for a reel of a gaming machine.
- FIG. 4 graphically illustrates one method of synchronizing three reels in gaming machine.
- patterned reel movements may include rhythmic reel effects.
- the rhythmic effects are the result of having a substantially similar time interval interposed between each stopping reel.
- Rhythmic effects may also be the result of increasing or decreasing the time interval interposed between each stopping reel.
- the rhythmic effects are the result of synchronizing the reel stops with music and/or to a simple tempo. Additionally, the rhythmic effects include synchronizing and simultaneously stopping all the reels.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the various functional units of one embodiment of the gaming machine 10 .
- the gaming machine 10 includes three mechanical reels 12 housed in a display area 14 . Additionally, one or more indicia 16 are provided on the outer surface of each mechanical reel 12 .
- the gaming machine 10 also includes stepper motors 18 , wherein one stepper motor is connected to one reel 12 . As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the gaming device 10 may include additional stepper motors 18 .
- the gaming machine 10 may have fewer stepper motors 18 than reels 12 .
- the gaming device 10 also includes a reel control unit (RCU) 20 , and a game controller 22 .
- RCU reel control unit
- the gaming machine 10 may have any number of mechanical reels 12 .
- the gaming machine 10 may have five mechanical reels.
- the reels 12 are operatively coupled to stepper motors 18 .
- the stepper motors 18 are responsible for spinning and stopping the reels 12 .
- Each reel spin is comprised of a specific number of motor steps having a fixed time duration that operates the motor to achieve a fixed angle of rotation.
- the motor steps generally progress from a long duration to a short duration.
- the motor steps are of the same duration.
- the motor steps generally progress from a short duration to a long duration until the motor comes to a stop.
- the stepper motors 18 of the gaming machine 10 are controlled and monitored by the RCU 20 . More specifically, the RCU 20 is responsible for determining the spin profile for each reel 12 . In order to determine the appropriate spin profile, the RCU 20 calculates the distance between the current and final position of each reel. Based upon the spin distance and the desired spin duration of each reel, the RCU 20 then determines a spin profile for each reel 12 .
- the spin profiles provide the stepper motors 18 with the number and duration of motor steps for each reel spin phase.
- the reel spin phase includes an acceleration phase, a steady-state phase, and a deceleration phase.
- the spin profile may include an adjustment phase.
- the adjustment phase includes one or more reel revolutions.
- the overall spin duration of the reels 12 can be calculated by summing the durations of each motor step during the different reel spin phases.
- the acceleration phase includes the rate and duration of the acceleration of the reel to a final velocity.
- the final velocity of the reel is maintained during the steady-state phase.
- the deceleration phase includes the rate and duration of deceleration of the reel to the stop position.
- the adjustment phase includes any additional reel revolutions required to provide the desired spin duration and/or to assure that the reels 12 stop in a particular sequence.
- the spin profiles are stored on a hard drive, flash memory or other solid-state, non-volatile memory such as, but not limited to, EPROM, EEPROM, or DRAM.
- the spin profiles are contained in the RCU software.
- the game controller 22 , RCU 20 , or other gaming machine component calculates the desired spin profile.
- the RCU 20 is in communication with the game controller 22 .
- the game controller 22 is a combination of hardware and software components that supports the game for a gaming machine or a group of gaming machines.
- the game controller 22 is configured to support the game and may be responsible for the various functions of the gaming machine, such as, but not limited to, monitoring coin-in, coin-out, or credit meters, and awarding any prize(s) based upon the game result.
- the game controller 22 also generates the game outcome (i.e., the final stopping position for each reel) and is responsible for determining the desired spin duration for each reel 12 .
- any of these functions may be separated into different or logical units and do not have to exist in a single controller unit.
- the game controller 22 includes a random number generator 24 that determines a game outcome, wherein the game outcome is a combination of indicia.
- the game controller 22 may use a pseudo-random number generator or a weighted random number generator to determine the game outcome.
- the random number generator 24 (or pseudo-random number generator or weighted random number generator) is a separate component in communication with the game controller 22 .
- the RCU 20 and the game controller 22 are separate components located within the gaming machine 10 .
- the RCU 20 may be interconnected to the game controller 22 by a USB connection, a wireless network connection, or any other means for operatively coupling components together.
- the RCU 20 and the game controller 22 are integral components (not shown).
- the RCU 20 and the game controller 22 may be located within the gaming machine 10 , but the functions of the RCU or the game controller may be carried out at a central location (not shown), such as a network server, and communicated to each gaming machine by a local area network, wireless network, wide area network, or the like.
- gaming machines 10 will have all these components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately, various components may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments.
- a game player initiates a gaming session in step 100 , and the game controller 22 generates a game outcome by selecting a final reel position for each of the reels 12 in step 102 .
- the game controller 22 also selects the desired spin duration for each reel 12 in step 104 .
- the final reel position and the desired spin duration for each reel 12 is sent to the RCU 20 .
- the RCU 20 then calculates the appropriate spin profile for each reel 12 based upon the spin distance (distance between the current position and desired the stop position) and the desired spin duration.
- the RCU 20 calculates the duration of the acceleration phase, the final velocity, the duration of spinning the reel at the final velocity, and the duration of the deceleration phase.
- the reels 12 are spun according to the calculated spin profile for each reel.
- the reels are then stopped at the final reel position in step 110 .
- the game controller 22 then dispenses an award if the symbol combination for the reels is a winning combination in step 112 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates another method of determining a spin profile for each reel 12 .
- the process for selecting the best spin profile to cover the required spin distance in the allotted time period is as follows: (1) the RCU 20 receives final reel positions for each reel and a desired spin duration for each reel; (2) the RCU calculates the distance, in steps, between the current reel position and the final reel position; (3) the RCU then determines the time required to move the reel the calculated distance at full speed by multiplying the calculated distance (i.e., the number of steps) by the step duration at a final reel velocity; (4) the RCU determines the time required to turn the reel one revolution using a spin profile that includes acceleration, final velocity, and deceleration of the reel; (5) the RCU determines the time required to turn the reel one revolution at full speed (i.e., the duration of an extra revolution); (6) the RCU sums the time durations of steps (2) and (3) (i.e., the calculated spin duration); (7) the RCU compares the calculated spin duration to the desired overall spin duration; and (8) if the calculated spin duration is within one half of the time of the
- the time duration for one full-speed revolution i.e., time duration of step (5)
- the calculated spin duration i.e., the result from step (6)
- This process is repeated for each spin profile stored in the RCU 20 until the RCU determines the spin profile that provides a spin duration that most closely matches the desired spin duration. This process is carried out for each reel 12 in the gaming machine 10 prior to spinning the reels.
- a look-up table may be used to determine the spin durations.
- the look-up table includes a list of values corresponding to the acceleration and deceleration durations.
- accelerating to a particular velocity comprises a plurality of motor steps having varying durations (i.e., long duration to short duration).
- the look-up table includes the total time to accelerate a reel to particular final velocity (i.e., the sum of all the steps to achieve a desired final velocity). Accordingly, the RCU 20 can access the look-up table and determine the duration of the acceleration phase in lieu of calculating the duration of the acceleration phase.
- the look-up table only includes durations for the acceleration phase because the acceleration and deceleration rates are the same (albeit in reverse directions). As a result, the acceleration and deceleration phases have the same duration.
- the look-up table includes durations for both the acceleration and deceleration phases because the acceleration and deceleration phases have different acceleration and deceleration rates, respectively.
- the total time duration for all the phases of the spin profile is calculated.
- the RCU 20 may add additional revolutions, as required, until the total spin duration approximates the desired spin duration.
- the exact spin duration is controllable to the time required to spin a reel one half of one revolution. For example, if the spin profile causes the reel to spin one revolution in 720 milliseconds, the accuracy of the spin profile is 360 milliseconds because the optimized spin profile may place the required reel symbol up to 180° away from the payline (i.e., desired stopping position) at the desired stop time.
- each reel 12 spins at least one full revolution. That is, the reel 12 will spin a full revolution in addition to the distance between the current reel position and the final reel position.
- the reel spin profiles may be configured to allow the reels 12 to spin less than a full revolution. For example, if the difference between the current and the final reel position is 3 ⁇ 4 of a revolution, the spin profiles may be designed to allow for a spin distance of 3 ⁇ 4 of a revolution.
- the spin profiles are selected so that the stop interval between each reel spin is approximately the same duration regardless of the distance travelled by each reel. Having approximately equal stop intervals between each reel creates a rhythmic effect in that the reels stop at regular intervals. Accordingly, the rhythmic spinning is more soothing and less stressful to a game player so that a game player can play the gaming machines for a longer period of time without becoming fatigued.
- each reel spin duration may be controlled, the spin profiles of each reel may be altered to vary the overall duration of the game.
- the overall game duration may be increased by lengthening the spin duration of each reel by adding reel revolutions.
- the game duration may be increased by reducing the maximum velocity of the reels or by increasing the stop duration between each reel.
- the game duration may be shortened by increasing the maximum velocity of the reels or decreasing the stop duration between each reel. Accordingly, the game programmer or manufacturer may be able to control the length of each game. Thus, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having more game plays in a given period of time as compared to conventional gaming machines.
- the game player may be able to increase or decrease the game duration by activating one or more buttons or other input devices (e.g., toggle switch or slide bar) to select a game length.
- the gaming machine 10 may be networked to a host network thereby allowing a casino operator to increase or decrease the game duration. Accordingly, the casino operator may be able to decrease the game duration during peak times of the day.
- the reels 12 may have spin profiles where the stop intervals increase for each subsequent reel. For example, for a gaming machine having five reels, the stop duration between the first and second reels is shorter in duration as compared to other stop durations, and the stop duration between the fourth and fifth reels is the longest in duration.
- the reel duration increases as the game progresses when there is the potential for a particular winning combination. For example, the first reel may have a normal spin duration and stops at a “7”, the second reel may spin for a longer duration if the stop position is another “7”, and the third reel may spin for an even longer time regardless of the outcome. In another method, the third reel may only spin for a longer duration when the last symbol produces a winning outcome.
- the third reel will only have a long spin duration if the last symbol produces a winning combination (i.e., the last symbol is a “7” or a “wild symbol”).
- the reels 12 may have spin profiles where the spin durations decrease for each subsequent reel.
- the reels may have spin profiles where there is a programmed delay for subsequent reels. That is, after the first reel is spun, there is a time delay before the next reel is spun. The delay before spinning each reel may be controlled by the RCU 20 .
- the reels 12 may be spun in descending order of spin duration. That is, the reel 12 with the longest spin duration is spun first and the reel with the shortest spin duration is spun last. In this method, the reels 12 may stop at the same time even though the reels have different spin durations.
- the reels 12 may have spin profiles where the reels stop in sequential order. For example, in one exemplary spin profile, the reels stop sequentially from left to right. In another exemplary spin profile, the reels stop sequentially from right to left. In yet another spin profile, the reels stop in random order.
- the reels 12 may have a spin profile that causes the reels to stop at approximately the same time.
- FIG. 4 graphically illustrates the synchronization of three reels 12 in gaming machine 10 .
- the RCU 20 determines the current and final positions of all the reels 12 and calculates the spin distance for each reel.
- the spin distance for each reel 12 is the distance the reel will travel from the current reel position to the final reel position. Then, the RCU 20 determines which reel has the longest spin distance. As shown in FIG.
- the reel with the longest spin distance is labelled the “last place reel,” the reel with the shortest spin distance is the “leader reel,” and the reel with the intermediate distance is the “second place reel.”
- the RCU 20 calculates the number of steps at a slow speed for each reel 12 .
- the information for each reel is then processed by the reel driver software.
- the reels 12 are then spun and the acceleration and/or velocity of each reel are varied to synchronize the reels to their final positions. As shown in FIG.
- the game player may stop the reels by depressing a button or other player input means.
- the RCU 20 stops the reels at the predetermined stop positions. Once the RCU 20 receives the stop instruction, the reels 12 are decelerated and the reels stop at substantially the same time.
- the leader reel and the second place reel are accelerated to an intermediate velocity. These reels are maintained at a constant intermediate velocity and then accelerated to a final velocity at a later time.
- the leader reel and the second place reel may be slowly accelerated to slowly increase the intermediate velocity prior to accelerating the reels to their final velocities.
- the previous method of synchronizing the reels are based upon synchronizing the reels to the reel having the longest distance to travel.
- the reels may be synchronized to the reel having an intermediate distance to travel (e.g., the second place reel).
- the second place reel is accelerated to a designated velocity.
- the leader reel may be accelerated to a final velocity, slower than the second place reel's final velocity, and then accelerated to the second place reel's velocity at a prescribed time.
- the last place reel may be accelerated to a final velocity, greater than the second place reel's final velocity, and, at a prescribed time, the last place reel is decelerated to the second place reel's velocity.
- the reels may be stopped by the RCU or by the player.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
- Display Devices Of Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
- Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to gaming machines having rhythmic reels.
- Gaming machines have been developed having various features to capture and maintain player interest. Traditionally, gaming machines garner player interest by providing the player with the opportunity to win cash awards based upon a player's wager. Accordingly, various types of games or game features have been developed to provide players with the opportunity to win large sums of money for a small wager. For example, games may include one or more bonus games or the opportunity to win progressive jackpots in order to maintain player interest.
- Additionally, over the years, gaming machines have grown in sophistication and features to maintain player interest. For example, the mechanical reels of traditional gaming machines have been replaced with video depictions of spinning reels. These video gaming machines provide a richer gaming experience for players by including graphics or animation as part of the game. Nevertheless, mechanical gaming machines continue to be successful even though there are physical limitations as to the features that may be provided on a mechanical gaming machine. For example, symbols on the mechanical reels are located at fixed positions on the reels so that the symbols cannot be readily moved or animated. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for slot machines variants that provide a player with enhanced excitement without departing from the original slot machine gaming concept.
- Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having mechanical reels having variable spin rates in order to provide rhythmic effects. In one embodiment, the rhythmic effect is stopping the reels at predetermined intervals. In another embodiment, the rhythmic effect is the result of increasing the spin duration of subsequent reels to generate player anticipation. In yet another embodiment, the rhythmic effect is stopping all the mechanical reels at approximately the same time.
- In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. The gaming machine also includes a game controller for generating a game outcome and determining a spin duration for each of the reels. A reel control unit, which is in communication with the game controller, determines the appropriate spin profile based upon the game outcome and the spin duration. The gaming machine includes a plurality of stepper motors that are in communication with the reel control unit and are operatively coupled to the mechanical reels to independently spin each reel.
- One method is directed to controlling the movement of each mechanical reel in a gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a plurality of reels that have indicia provided on the outer surface of each of the reels. Once a gaming session is activated, a game outcome comprising a combination of indicia is generated. Based upon the generated game outcome, a spin profile is determined. The spin profile comprises rotational speed settings for each of the reels. Each of the reels is then spun according to the spin profile, and each reel is stopped at a designated stop position that corresponds to the game outcome and for the designated spin duration.
- In another method, the movement of each reel in a gaming machine is controlled to synchronize the stopping of the reels. The gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A game outcome is generated that dictates the final position of each reel and a particular spin duration for each reel. An appropriate spin profile for achieving the game outcome for each reel is determined and is based upon the current position of each reel, the desired final position of each reel, and a particular spin duration. Each of the reels is then spun according to the spin profile and synchronized. Once synchronized, the reels are stopped substantially simultaneously to depict the combination of indicia corresponding to the game outcome.
- Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a gaming machine having rhythmic reels; -
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one method of independently controlling each reel of a gaming machine; -
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one method of determining a spin profile for a reel of a gaming machine; and -
FIG. 4 graphically illustrates one method of synchronizing three reels in gaming machine. - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to gaming machines and methods for independently controlling the movement of each of the mechanical reels to enhance the gaming experience of the player. More specifically, the rotational velocity of each mechanical reel may be varied so that each reel may be stopped after a controlled period of time. As a result, the reels may be controlled to produce patterned and non-patterned reel movements. For example, patterned reel movements may include rhythmic reel effects. In one embodiment, the rhythmic effects are the result of having a substantially similar time interval interposed between each stopping reel. Rhythmic effects may also be the result of increasing or decreasing the time interval interposed between each stopping reel. In other embodiments, the rhythmic effects are the result of synchronizing the reel stops with music and/or to a simple tempo. Additionally, the rhythmic effects include synchronizing and simultaneously stopping all the reels.
- Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1-4 , there are shown various embodiments of a gaming machine having rhythmic reels. Specifically,FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the various functional units of one embodiment of thegaming machine 10. As shown inFIG. 1 , thegaming machine 10 includes threemechanical reels 12 housed in adisplay area 14. Additionally, one ormore indicia 16 are provided on the outer surface of eachmechanical reel 12. Thegaming machine 10 also includesstepper motors 18, wherein one stepper motor is connected to onereel 12. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, thegaming device 10 may includeadditional stepper motors 18. Alternatively, in another embodiment, thegaming machine 10 may havefewer stepper motors 18 thanreels 12. Thegaming device 10 also includes a reel control unit (RCU) 20, and agame controller 22. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other embodiments of thegaming machine 10 may have any number ofmechanical reels 12. For example, in one embodiment, thegaming machine 10 may have five mechanical reels. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , thereels 12 are operatively coupled tostepper motors 18. Thestepper motors 18 are responsible for spinning and stopping thereels 12. Each reel spin is comprised of a specific number of motor steps having a fixed time duration that operates the motor to achieve a fixed angle of rotation. During acceleration of thereels 12, the motor steps generally progress from a long duration to a short duration. When thereels 12 are travelling at their final velocity, all the motor steps are of the same duration. During deceleration, the motor steps generally progress from a short duration to a long duration until the motor comes to a stop. - The
stepper motors 18 of thegaming machine 10 are controlled and monitored by the RCU 20. More specifically, theRCU 20 is responsible for determining the spin profile for eachreel 12. In order to determine the appropriate spin profile, theRCU 20 calculates the distance between the current and final position of each reel. Based upon the spin distance and the desired spin duration of each reel, theRCU 20 then determines a spin profile for eachreel 12. - The spin profiles provide the
stepper motors 18 with the number and duration of motor steps for each reel spin phase. The reel spin phase includes an acceleration phase, a steady-state phase, and a deceleration phase. Optionally, the spin profile may include an adjustment phase. The adjustment phase includes one or more reel revolutions. The overall spin duration of thereels 12 can be calculated by summing the durations of each motor step during the different reel spin phases. The acceleration phase includes the rate and duration of the acceleration of the reel to a final velocity. The final velocity of the reel is maintained during the steady-state phase. The deceleration phase includes the rate and duration of deceleration of the reel to the stop position. The adjustment phase includes any additional reel revolutions required to provide the desired spin duration and/or to assure that thereels 12 stop in a particular sequence. - In one embodiment, the spin profiles are stored on a hard drive, flash memory or other solid-state, non-volatile memory such as, but not limited to, EPROM, EEPROM, or DRAM. In another embodiment, the spin profiles are contained in the RCU software. In yet another embodiment, the
game controller 22,RCU 20, or other gaming machine component calculates the desired spin profile. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theRCU 20 is in communication with thegame controller 22. Thegame controller 22 is a combination of hardware and software components that supports the game for a gaming machine or a group of gaming machines. Thegame controller 22 is configured to support the game and may be responsible for the various functions of the gaming machine, such as, but not limited to, monitoring coin-in, coin-out, or credit meters, and awarding any prize(s) based upon the game result. Thegame controller 22 also generates the game outcome (i.e., the final stopping position for each reel) and is responsible for determining the desired spin duration for eachreel 12. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any of these functions may be separated into different or logical units and do not have to exist in a single controller unit. - In one embodiment, the
game controller 22 includes arandom number generator 24 that determines a game outcome, wherein the game outcome is a combination of indicia. In alternate embodiments, thegame controller 22 may use a pseudo-random number generator or a weighted random number generator to determine the game outcome. In yet another embodiment, the random number generator 24 (or pseudo-random number generator or weighted random number generator) is a separate component in communication with thegame controller 22. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theRCU 20 and thegame controller 22 are separate components located within thegaming machine 10. As those skilled in the art will appreciate theRCU 20 may be interconnected to thegame controller 22 by a USB connection, a wireless network connection, or any other means for operatively coupling components together. In an alternate embodiment, theRCU 20 and thegame controller 22 are integral components (not shown). In yet another embodiment, theRCU 20 and thegame controller 22 may be located within thegaming machine 10, but the functions of the RCU or the game controller may be carried out at a central location (not shown), such as a network server, and communicated to each gaming machine by a local area network, wireless network, wide area network, or the like. - One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all
gaming machines 10 will have all these components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately, various components may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments. - In addition to the gaming machines, disclosed above, various methods of. independently controlling each
mechanical reel 12 in agaming machine 10 are disclosed herein. Referring now toFIG. 2 , in one method, a game player initiates a gaming session instep 100, and thegame controller 22 generates a game outcome by selecting a final reel position for each of thereels 12 instep 102. Thegame controller 22 also selects the desired spin duration for eachreel 12 instep 104. The final reel position and the desired spin duration for eachreel 12 is sent to theRCU 20. In one method, instep 106, theRCU 20 then calculates the appropriate spin profile for eachreel 12 based upon the spin distance (distance between the current position and desired the stop position) and the desired spin duration. That is, theRCU 20 calculates the duration of the acceleration phase, the final velocity, the duration of spinning the reel at the final velocity, and the duration of the deceleration phase. Instep 108, thereels 12 are spun according to the calculated spin profile for each reel. The reels are then stopped at the final reel position instep 110. Thegame controller 22 then dispenses an award if the symbol combination for the reels is a winning combination instep 112. -
FIG. 3 illustrates another method of determining a spin profile for eachreel 12. Once theRCU 20 calculates the appropriate spin distance for eachreel 12 instep 200, then the RCU selects an appropriate spin profile from a plurality of spin profiles already stored in the RCU instep 202. The selected spin profile is the particular spin profile that will most accurately cover the required spin distance in the desired amount of time. TheRCU 20 then determines if the spin duration of the selected spin profile matches the desired spin duration for thereel 12 instep 204. If the spin profile does not match the parameters of the calculated spin profile for thereel 12, theRCU 20 may add an adjustment phase to the spin profile instep 206. The adjustment phase may add extra reel rotations until the spin duration approximates the desired spin duration. Otherwise, thereels 12 are spun instep 208 and the game controller dispenses an award if the symbol combination for the reels is a winning combination. - In another method, the process for selecting the best spin profile to cover the required spin distance in the allotted time period is as follows: (1) the RCU 20 receives final reel positions for each reel and a desired spin duration for each reel; (2) the RCU calculates the distance, in steps, between the current reel position and the final reel position; (3) the RCU then determines the time required to move the reel the calculated distance at full speed by multiplying the calculated distance (i.e., the number of steps) by the step duration at a final reel velocity; (4) the RCU determines the time required to turn the reel one revolution using a spin profile that includes acceleration, final velocity, and deceleration of the reel; (5) the RCU determines the time required to turn the reel one revolution at full speed (i.e., the duration of an extra revolution); (6) the RCU sums the time durations of steps (2) and (3) (i.e., the calculated spin duration); (7) the RCU compares the calculated spin duration to the desired overall spin duration; and (8) if the calculated spin duration is within one half of the time of the time duration of one full-speed revolution (i.e., time duration of step (5)), the spin duration value is stored in the RCU 20 for later comparison. Otherwise, the time duration for one full-speed revolution (i.e., time duration of step (5)) is added to the calculated spin duration (i.e., the result from step (6)) until the calculated spin duration is within one half of the time duration of one full-speed revolution. This process is repeated for each spin profile stored in the
RCU 20 until the RCU determines the spin profile that provides a spin duration that most closely matches the desired spin duration. This process is carried out for eachreel 12 in thegaming machine 10 prior to spinning the reels. - In another method, a look-up table may be used to determine the spin durations. In one embodiment, the look-up table includes a list of values corresponding to the acceleration and deceleration durations. As previously mentioned, accelerating to a particular velocity comprises a plurality of motor steps having varying durations (i.e., long duration to short duration). The look-up table includes the total time to accelerate a reel to particular final velocity (i.e., the sum of all the steps to achieve a desired final velocity). Accordingly, the
RCU 20 can access the look-up table and determine the duration of the acceleration phase in lieu of calculating the duration of the acceleration phase. In one embodiment, the look-up table only includes durations for the acceleration phase because the acceleration and deceleration rates are the same (albeit in reverse directions). As a result, the acceleration and deceleration phases have the same duration. In another embodiment, the look-up table includes durations for both the acceleration and deceleration phases because the acceleration and deceleration phases have different acceleration and deceleration rates, respectively. - In the case where a particular spin duration is required, the total time duration for all the phases of the spin profile is calculated. The
RCU 20 may add additional revolutions, as required, until the total spin duration approximates the desired spin duration. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the exact spin duration is controllable to the time required to spin a reel one half of one revolution. For example, if the spin profile causes the reel to spin one revolution in 720 milliseconds, the accuracy of the spin profile is 360 milliseconds because the optimized spin profile may place the required reel symbol up to 180° away from the payline (i.e., desired stopping position) at the desired stop time. - In the previously discussed methods, each
reel 12 spins at least one full revolution. That is, thereel 12 will spin a full revolution in addition to the distance between the current reel position and the final reel position. In another method, the reel spin profiles may be configured to allow thereels 12 to spin less than a full revolution. For example, if the difference between the current and the final reel position is ¾ of a revolution, the spin profiles may be designed to allow for a spin distance of ¾ of a revolution. - In these above-disclosed methods, the spin profiles are selected so that the stop interval between each reel spin is approximately the same duration regardless of the distance travelled by each reel. Having approximately equal stop intervals between each reel creates a rhythmic effect in that the reels stop at regular intervals. Accordingly, the rhythmic spinning is more soothing and less stressful to a game player so that a game player can play the gaming machines for a longer period of time without becoming fatigued.
- Because each reel spin duration may be controlled, the spin profiles of each reel may be altered to vary the overall duration of the game. For example, the overall game duration may be increased by lengthening the spin duration of each reel by adding reel revolutions. Alternatively, the game duration may be increased by reducing the maximum velocity of the reels or by increasing the stop duration between each reel. Likewise, the game duration may be shortened by increasing the maximum velocity of the reels or decreasing the stop duration between each reel. Accordingly, the game programmer or manufacturer may be able to control the length of each game. Thus, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having more game plays in a given period of time as compared to conventional gaming machines. In another embodiment, the game player may be able to increase or decrease the game duration by activating one or more buttons or other input devices (e.g., toggle switch or slide bar) to select a game length. In yet another embodiment, the
gaming machine 10 may be networked to a host network thereby allowing a casino operator to increase or decrease the game duration. Accordingly, the casino operator may be able to decrease the game duration during peak times of the day. - In another method, the
reels 12 may have spin profiles where the stop intervals increase for each subsequent reel. For example, for a gaming machine having five reels, the stop duration between the first and second reels is shorter in duration as compared to other stop durations, and the stop duration between the fourth and fifth reels is the longest in duration. In another method, the reel duration increases as the game progresses when there is the potential for a particular winning combination. For example, the first reel may have a normal spin duration and stops at a “7”, the second reel may spin for a longer duration if the stop position is another “7”, and the third reel may spin for an even longer time regardless of the outcome. In another method, the third reel may only spin for a longer duration when the last symbol produces a winning outcome. That is, in the previous example, the third reel will only have a long spin duration if the last symbol produces a winning combination (i.e., the last symbol is a “7” or a “wild symbol”). By increasing the spin duration for subsequent reels, player anticipation builds thereby enhancing the player's enjoyment of the game. In an alternate method, thereels 12 may have spin profiles where the spin durations decrease for each subsequent reel. - In another method, the reels may have spin profiles where there is a programmed delay for subsequent reels. That is, after the first reel is spun, there is a time delay before the next reel is spun. The delay before spinning each reel may be controlled by the
RCU 20. In yet another method, thereels 12 may be spun in descending order of spin duration. That is, thereel 12 with the longest spin duration is spun first and the reel with the shortest spin duration is spun last. In this method, thereels 12 may stop at the same time even though the reels have different spin durations. - In one method, the
reels 12 may have spin profiles where the reels stop in sequential order. For example, in one exemplary spin profile, the reels stop sequentially from left to right. In another exemplary spin profile, the reels stop sequentially from right to left. In yet another spin profile, the reels stop in random order. - In another method, the
reels 12 may have a spin profile that causes the reels to stop at approximately the same time.FIG. 4 graphically illustrates the synchronization of threereels 12 ingaming machine 10. According to this method, theRCU 20 determines the current and final positions of all thereels 12 and calculates the spin distance for each reel. The spin distance for eachreel 12 is the distance the reel will travel from the current reel position to the final reel position. Then, theRCU 20 determines which reel has the longest spin distance. As shown inFIG. 4 , the reel with the longest spin distance is labelled the “last place reel,” the reel with the shortest spin distance is the “leader reel,” and the reel with the intermediate distance is the “second place reel.” TheRCU 20 then calculates the number of steps at a slow speed for eachreel 12. The number of steps at slow speed is determined by the following formula:
The information for each reel is then processed by the reel driver software. Thereels 12 are then spun and the acceleration and/or velocity of each reel are varied to synchronize the reels to their final positions. As shown inFIG. 4 , once thereels 12 are synchronized, the game player may stop the reels by depressing a button or other player input means. In another method, once thereels 12 are synchronized, theRCU 20 stops the reels at the predetermined stop positions. Once theRCU 20 receives the stop instruction, thereels 12 are decelerated and the reels stop at substantially the same time. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , the leader reel and the second place reel are accelerated to an intermediate velocity. These reels are maintained at a constant intermediate velocity and then accelerated to a final velocity at a later time. In another embodiment, the leader reel and the second place reel may be slowly accelerated to slowly increase the intermediate velocity prior to accelerating the reels to their final velocities. - The previous method of synchronizing the reels, as exemplified by
FIG. 4 , are based upon synchronizing the reels to the reel having the longest distance to travel. In another method, the reels may be synchronized to the reel having an intermediate distance to travel (e.g., the second place reel). In this method, the second place reel is accelerated to a designated velocity. The leader reel may be accelerated to a final velocity, slower than the second place reel's final velocity, and then accelerated to the second place reel's velocity at a prescribed time. The last place reel may be accelerated to a final velocity, greater than the second place reel's final velocity, and, at a prescribed time, the last place reel is decelerated to the second place reel's velocity. Once the reels are synchronized, the reels may be stopped by the RCU or by the player. - The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Claims (28)
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/217,862 US8047910B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2005-08-31 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
AU2006285106A AU2006285106B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2006-08-22 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
CA2620525A CA2620525C (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2006-08-22 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
PCT/US2006/032992 WO2007027489A2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2006-08-22 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
US13/271,585 US8267772B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2011-10-12 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
US13/621,606 US8529334B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2012-09-17 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/217,862 US8047910B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2005-08-31 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/271,585 Continuation US8267772B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2011-10-12 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070060323A1 true US20070060323A1 (en) | 2007-03-15 |
US8047910B2 US8047910B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 |
Family
ID=37809371
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/217,862 Active 2029-08-26 US8047910B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2005-08-31 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
US13/271,585 Active US8267772B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2011-10-12 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
US13/621,606 Active US8529334B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2012-09-17 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/271,585 Active US8267772B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2011-10-12 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
US13/621,606 Active US8529334B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2012-09-17 | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US8047910B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006285106B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2620525C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007027489A2 (en) |
Cited By (35)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090104971A1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2009-04-23 | Aruze Corp. | Slot Machine |
US20090111571A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order |
US20090111558A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Konami Gaming, Incorporated | Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order |
US20090227343A1 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-09-10 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system |
US20090239626A1 (en) * | 2008-03-24 | 2009-09-24 | Aruze Corp. | Slot Machine Capable of Keeping Constant Order or Constant Tempo of Stopping Rotation Reels |
US20100056248A1 (en) * | 2008-09-04 | 2010-03-04 | Acres-Fiore, Inc. | Gaming device having variable speed of play |
US20100190545A1 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2010-07-29 | INGENIO, Filiale de Loto-Québec Inc. | Gaming device with interactive spin action visual effects |
US20100285861A1 (en) * | 2009-05-11 | 2010-11-11 | Igt | Gaming machine reel alignment |
US20110028205A1 (en) * | 2009-07-30 | 2011-02-03 | Igt | Concurrent play on multiple gaming machines |
US20110059787A1 (en) * | 2009-09-09 | 2011-03-10 | Suzo-Happ Group | Control system for reel mechanism |
US20110118006A1 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2011-05-19 | Acres-Fiore Patents | Method for displaying gaming result |
US20110136566A1 (en) * | 2009-12-03 | 2011-06-09 | Acres-Fiore Patents | Rapid play poker gaming device |
US20110263309A1 (en) * | 2010-04-27 | 2011-10-27 | Igt | Runtime downloadable motion control profiles |
US8313369B2 (en) | 2009-10-14 | 2012-11-20 | Patent Investments & Licensing Company | Outcome determination method for gaming device |
CN103226873A (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2013-07-31 | 环球娱乐株式会社 | Gaming machine conducting indication effect |
US8602866B2 (en) | 2008-03-21 | 2013-12-10 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method and apparatus for generating a virtual win |
US8684811B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2014-04-01 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having advance game information analyzer |
US8702490B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2014-04-22 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having multiple game play option |
US20140200064A1 (en) * | 2013-01-15 | 2014-07-17 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Gaming machine and gaming method |
US20140232063A1 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2014-08-21 | Omron Corporation | Movable object driving device and game machine |
US9092949B2 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2015-07-28 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine and methods of allowing a player to play gaming machines having synchronized symbols |
US20150294529A1 (en) * | 2014-04-09 | 2015-10-15 | Wms Gaming Inc. | System and Method for Controlling Reel Motion in a Spinning Reel Gaming Machine |
US20150332545A1 (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2015-11-19 | Universal Entertainment Corporation | Gaming machine |
US9208655B2 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2015-12-08 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine and methods of allowing a player to play gaming machines having synchronized symbols |
US20160225222A1 (en) * | 2013-09-13 | 2016-08-04 | Konami Gaming, Incorporated | Gaming machine |
US9633528B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2017-04-25 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method for configuring casino operations |
US9666015B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2017-05-30 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Generating a score related to play on gaming devices |
US9728043B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2017-08-08 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Means for enhancing game play of gaming device |
US9997007B2 (en) | 2009-10-01 | 2018-06-12 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method and system for implementing mystery bonus in place of base game results on gaming machine |
US10553072B2 (en) | 2009-11-10 | 2020-02-04 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | System and method for measuring gaming player behavior |
US20200111327A1 (en) * | 2018-10-04 | 2020-04-09 | Everi Games, Inc. | Synchronized reel outcomes in reel games |
US10783742B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2020-09-22 | Acres Technology | Event-based gaming operations for gaming device |
US11017626B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2021-05-25 | Acres Technology | Means for controlling payback percentage of gaming device |
US11501599B2 (en) * | 2017-09-05 | 2022-11-15 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Electronic gaming machine and method having independently operable game display windows for single or multi-player play |
US11636725B2 (en) | 2017-09-05 | 2023-04-25 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Gaming machine having independent controls and displays for single and multi-player play |
Families Citing this family (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8047910B2 (en) * | 2005-08-31 | 2011-11-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
AU2006230745B1 (en) * | 2006-10-20 | 2007-03-08 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Gaming system and method |
AU2006230747B1 (en) * | 2006-10-20 | 2007-02-08 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Gaming system and method |
AU2011202630B2 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2013-04-18 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming Machine Cabinet |
US8764573B2 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2014-07-01 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine cabinet |
JP2010274069A (en) * | 2009-06-01 | 2010-12-09 | Universal Entertainment Corp | Gaming machine |
AU2011226928A1 (en) * | 2010-10-06 | 2012-04-26 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | A gaming system and a method of gaming |
KR20130007886A (en) * | 2011-07-11 | 2013-01-21 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Image forming apparatus, motor controlling apparatus and method for controlling of motor |
US9659437B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2017-05-23 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System and method for cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device |
US9159188B2 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2015-10-13 | Aruze Gaming (Hong Kong) Limited | Data generating method, gaming method, and gaming machine |
US9373225B2 (en) | 2013-09-18 | 2016-06-21 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine and methods of allowing a player to play gaming machines having selectable reel configurations |
CN107110964B (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2023-08-15 | 西门子瑞士有限公司 | Method, digital tool, device and system for detecting movement of objects and/or living beings in a radio range, in particular in an indoor area |
US20190122487A1 (en) * | 2017-10-24 | 2019-04-25 | King Show Games Inc. | Reel-based wagering games |
Citations (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4373727A (en) * | 1980-04-03 | 1983-02-15 | Bally Manufacturing Corporation | Variable speed gaming device |
US4433844A (en) * | 1980-04-03 | 1984-02-28 | Bally Manufacturing Corporation | Drive mechanism for a variable speed gaming device |
US4911449A (en) * | 1985-01-02 | 1990-03-27 | I G T | Reel monitoring device for an amusement machine |
US5667219A (en) * | 1993-12-24 | 1997-09-16 | Universal Sales Co., Inc. Ltd. | Variable display gaming machine |
US5934672A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1999-08-10 | Digideal Corporation | Slot machine and methods of operation |
US6110041A (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 2000-08-29 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and system for adapting gaming devices to playing preferences |
US6471588B2 (en) * | 1998-11-18 | 2002-10-29 | Aruze Corporation | Game machine and method that adjusts stop instructions of reels with random numbers |
US20030003988A1 (en) * | 2001-06-15 | 2003-01-02 | Walker Jay S. | Method and apparatus for planning and customizing a gaming experience |
US20030162586A1 (en) * | 2002-01-07 | 2003-08-28 | Konami Corporation | Game machine, system of managing game machines, and method of controlling game machine |
US20030232640A1 (en) * | 2002-04-16 | 2003-12-18 | Walker Jay S. | Method and apparatus for optimizing the rate of play of a gaming device |
US20040033828A1 (en) * | 2002-08-19 | 2004-02-19 | Gagner Mark B. | Stroboscopic effect for displaying slot reel positions of a gaming machine |
US20040224752A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2004-11-11 | Takao Nireki | Motor stop control device utilizable for reel-type gaming machine |
US20050043084A1 (en) * | 2003-08-22 | 2005-02-24 | Dragon Co., Ltd. | Symbol display device for game machine |
US20050096122A1 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2005-05-05 | Takao Nireki | Motor stop control device utilizable for gaming machine and gaming machine using the same |
US20050181861A1 (en) * | 2004-02-17 | 2005-08-18 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming machine |
US20050285337A1 (en) * | 2004-06-24 | 2005-12-29 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Dynamic generation of a profile for spinning reel gaming machines |
US20060148553A1 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2006-07-06 | Summit Amusement And Distributing, Ltd. | Method for variable speed gaming |
US20070178959A1 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2007-08-02 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Gaming machine having gameplay sequence designators |
US20080096636A1 (en) * | 2006-10-20 | 2008-04-24 | Kieran Power | Gaming system and method |
US20080113749A1 (en) * | 2006-11-13 | 2008-05-15 | Igt | Multimedia emulation of physical reel hardware in processor-based gaming machines |
US7740534B2 (en) * | 2003-02-13 | 2010-06-22 | Igt | System and method enabling extension of a time element in a game |
US20110065492A1 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Acres-Fiore Patents | Gaming device having near-miss configuration |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4299388A (en) * | 1979-06-20 | 1981-11-10 | Concorde Manufacturing Company | Apparatus for controlling a reeled chance based amusement device |
GB2100492A (en) * | 1981-04-02 | 1982-12-22 | Questenco Ltd | Game-playing machines |
JPS5841588A (en) * | 1981-09-07 | 1983-03-10 | 株式会社ユニバ−サル | Throttle machine |
JPS58177679A (en) * | 1982-04-14 | 1983-10-18 | 株式会社ユニバ−サル | Game machine |
US4660833A (en) * | 1985-01-02 | 1987-04-28 | Igt | Reel monitoring and diagnostic device for an amusement machine |
JPH0532145Y2 (en) * | 1985-08-23 | 1993-08-18 | ||
JP3187638B2 (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 2001-07-11 | 株式会社エース電研 | Slot machine |
US6315662B1 (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2001-11-13 | Walker Digital, Llc | System and method for automatically initiating game play on an electronic gaming device |
JP2001276319A (en) | 2000-03-29 | 2001-10-09 | Topuro:Kk | Slot machine |
US6702670B2 (en) * | 2001-07-25 | 2004-03-09 | L.A. Slot Machine Company, Inc. | Method and apparatus for bonus game slot machine |
US8047910B2 (en) * | 2005-08-31 | 2011-11-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels |
US8128495B2 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2012-03-06 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Method for interacting a display with mechanical reels |
-
2005
- 2005-08-31 US US11/217,862 patent/US8047910B2/en active Active
-
2006
- 2006-08-22 AU AU2006285106A patent/AU2006285106B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2006-08-22 CA CA2620525A patent/CA2620525C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-08-22 WO PCT/US2006/032992 patent/WO2007027489A2/en active Application Filing
-
2011
- 2011-10-12 US US13/271,585 patent/US8267772B2/en active Active
-
2012
- 2012-09-17 US US13/621,606 patent/US8529334B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4373727A (en) * | 1980-04-03 | 1983-02-15 | Bally Manufacturing Corporation | Variable speed gaming device |
US4433844A (en) * | 1980-04-03 | 1984-02-28 | Bally Manufacturing Corporation | Drive mechanism for a variable speed gaming device |
US4911449A (en) * | 1985-01-02 | 1990-03-27 | I G T | Reel monitoring device for an amusement machine |
US5667219A (en) * | 1993-12-24 | 1997-09-16 | Universal Sales Co., Inc. Ltd. | Variable display gaming machine |
US5934672A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1999-08-10 | Digideal Corporation | Slot machine and methods of operation |
US6110041A (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 2000-08-29 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and system for adapting gaming devices to playing preferences |
US6471588B2 (en) * | 1998-11-18 | 2002-10-29 | Aruze Corporation | Game machine and method that adjusts stop instructions of reels with random numbers |
US20030003988A1 (en) * | 2001-06-15 | 2003-01-02 | Walker Jay S. | Method and apparatus for planning and customizing a gaming experience |
US20030162586A1 (en) * | 2002-01-07 | 2003-08-28 | Konami Corporation | Game machine, system of managing game machines, and method of controlling game machine |
US7727066B2 (en) * | 2002-01-07 | 2010-06-01 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Game machine, game machine system, and method of controlling a game machine reel spin time |
US20030232640A1 (en) * | 2002-04-16 | 2003-12-18 | Walker Jay S. | Method and apparatus for optimizing the rate of play of a gaming device |
US20040033828A1 (en) * | 2002-08-19 | 2004-02-19 | Gagner Mark B. | Stroboscopic effect for displaying slot reel positions of a gaming machine |
US7740534B2 (en) * | 2003-02-13 | 2010-06-22 | Igt | System and method enabling extension of a time element in a game |
US20040224752A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2004-11-11 | Takao Nireki | Motor stop control device utilizable for reel-type gaming machine |
US20050043084A1 (en) * | 2003-08-22 | 2005-02-24 | Dragon Co., Ltd. | Symbol display device for game machine |
US20050096122A1 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2005-05-05 | Takao Nireki | Motor stop control device utilizable for gaming machine and gaming machine using the same |
US20050181861A1 (en) * | 2004-02-17 | 2005-08-18 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming machine |
US20050285337A1 (en) * | 2004-06-24 | 2005-12-29 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Dynamic generation of a profile for spinning reel gaming machines |
US7360761B2 (en) * | 2004-06-24 | 2008-04-22 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Dynamic generation of a profile for spinning reel gaming machines |
US20060148553A1 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2006-07-06 | Summit Amusement And Distributing, Ltd. | Method for variable speed gaming |
US20070178959A1 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2007-08-02 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Gaming machine having gameplay sequence designators |
US20080096636A1 (en) * | 2006-10-20 | 2008-04-24 | Kieran Power | Gaming system and method |
US20080113749A1 (en) * | 2006-11-13 | 2008-05-15 | Igt | Multimedia emulation of physical reel hardware in processor-based gaming machines |
US20110065492A1 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Acres-Fiore Patents | Gaming device having near-miss configuration |
Cited By (100)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9208655B2 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2015-12-08 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine and methods of allowing a player to play gaming machines having synchronized symbols |
US9092949B2 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2015-07-28 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine and methods of allowing a player to play gaming machines having synchronized symbols |
US9171425B2 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2015-10-27 | INGENIO, Filiale de Loto-Québec Inc. | Gaming device with interactive spin action visual effects |
US20100190545A1 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2010-07-29 | INGENIO, Filiale de Loto-Québec Inc. | Gaming device with interactive spin action visual effects |
US20090104971A1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2009-04-23 | Aruze Corp. | Slot Machine |
US8574060B2 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2013-11-05 | Konami Gaming, Incorporated | Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order |
US8052515B2 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2011-11-08 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order |
US8715059B2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2014-05-06 | Konami Gaming Incorporated | Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order |
US20090111558A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Konami Gaming, Incorporated | Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order |
US8287359B2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2012-10-16 | Konami Gaming, Incorporated | Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order |
US20090111571A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Konami Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order |
US20090227343A1 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-09-10 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system |
US9501907B2 (en) | 2008-03-21 | 2016-11-22 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method and apparatus for generating a virtual win |
US8602866B2 (en) | 2008-03-21 | 2013-12-10 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method and apparatus for generating a virtual win |
US11995962B2 (en) | 2008-03-21 | 2024-05-28 | Acres Technology | Method for operating a gaming device that displays symbols |
US10032341B2 (en) | 2008-03-21 | 2018-07-24 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method and apparatus for generating a virtual win |
US11176783B2 (en) | 2008-03-21 | 2021-11-16 | Acres Technology | Apparatus for generating a virtual win regardless of the random process |
US8696434B2 (en) * | 2008-03-24 | 2014-04-15 | Universal Entertainment Corporation | Slot machine capable of keeping constant order or constant tempo of stopping rotation reels |
US20090239626A1 (en) * | 2008-03-24 | 2009-09-24 | Aruze Corp. | Slot Machine Capable of Keeping Constant Order or Constant Tempo of Stopping Rotation Reels |
US9373227B2 (en) | 2008-03-24 | 2016-06-21 | Universal Entertainment Corporation | Slot machine capable of keeping constant order or constant tempo of stopping rotation reels |
US11037399B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2021-06-15 | Acres Technology | Generating a score related to play on gaming devices |
US10121313B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2018-11-06 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Generating a score related to play on gaming devices |
US9947175B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2018-04-17 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Generating a score related to play on gaming devices |
US10657763B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2020-05-19 | Acres Technology | Generating a score related to play on gaming devices |
US9666015B2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2017-05-30 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Generating a score related to play on gaming devices |
US20210056802A1 (en) * | 2008-09-04 | 2021-02-25 | Acres Technology | Game device having variable speed of play |
US20120190426A1 (en) * | 2008-09-04 | 2012-07-26 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having variable speed of play |
US10846977B2 (en) * | 2008-09-04 | 2020-11-24 | Acres Technology | Game device having variable speed of play |
US8657662B2 (en) * | 2008-09-04 | 2014-02-25 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having variable speed of play |
US9472064B2 (en) | 2008-09-04 | 2016-10-18 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having variable speed of play |
US20100056248A1 (en) * | 2008-09-04 | 2010-03-04 | Acres-Fiore, Inc. | Gaming device having variable speed of play |
US20170011584A1 (en) * | 2008-09-04 | 2017-01-12 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Game device having variable speed of play |
US10846982B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2020-11-24 | Acres Technology | Method for configuring casino operations |
US9633528B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2017-04-25 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method for configuring casino operations |
US10192392B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2019-01-29 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method for configuring casino operations |
US11423737B2 (en) | 2008-11-17 | 2022-08-23 | Acres Technology | Method for configuring casino operations |
US8998701B2 (en) | 2009-05-11 | 2015-04-07 | Igt | Gaming machine reel alignment |
US8298069B2 (en) | 2009-05-11 | 2012-10-30 | Igt | Gaming machine reel alignment |
US20100285861A1 (en) * | 2009-05-11 | 2010-11-11 | Igt | Gaming machine reel alignment |
US11024132B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2021-06-01 | Acres Technology | Gaming device having multiple game play option |
US11735012B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2023-08-22 | Acres Technology | Gaming device having multiple game play option |
US8702490B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2014-04-22 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having multiple game play option |
US9251671B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2016-02-02 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having multiple game play option |
US9911288B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2018-03-06 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having multiple game play option |
US9483909B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2016-11-01 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having multiple game play option |
US10445988B2 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2019-10-15 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having multiple game play option |
US9039516B2 (en) | 2009-07-30 | 2015-05-26 | Igt | Concurrent play on multiple gaming machines |
US20110028205A1 (en) * | 2009-07-30 | 2011-02-03 | Igt | Concurrent play on multiple gaming machines |
US20110059787A1 (en) * | 2009-09-09 | 2011-03-10 | Suzo-Happ Group | Control system for reel mechanism |
US9997007B2 (en) | 2009-10-01 | 2018-06-12 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method and system for implementing mystery bonus in place of base game results on gaming machine |
US9619973B2 (en) | 2009-10-14 | 2017-04-11 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Outcome determination method for gaming device |
US11749064B2 (en) | 2009-10-14 | 2023-09-05 | Acres Technology | Outcome determination method for gaming device |
US10529189B2 (en) | 2009-10-14 | 2020-01-07 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Outcome determination method for gaming device |
US8313369B2 (en) | 2009-10-14 | 2012-11-20 | Patent Investments & Licensing Company | Outcome determination method for gaming device |
US8956214B2 (en) | 2009-10-14 | 2015-02-17 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Outcome determination method for gaming device |
US10916100B2 (en) | 2009-10-14 | 2021-02-09 | Acres Technology | Outcome determination method for gaming device |
US9865133B2 (en) | 2009-10-14 | 2018-01-09 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Outcome determination method for gaming device |
US11847886B2 (en) | 2009-11-10 | 2023-12-19 | Acres Technology | System and method for measuring gaming player behavior |
US10553072B2 (en) | 2009-11-10 | 2020-02-04 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | System and method for measuring gaming player behavior |
US9330535B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2016-05-03 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method for displaying game result |
US8696436B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2014-04-15 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method for displaying gaming result |
US9928682B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2018-03-27 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method for displaying gaming result |
US10706670B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2020-07-07 | Acres Technology | Gaming device |
US9626834B2 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2017-04-18 | Patent Investmant & Licensing Company | Method for displaying gaming result |
US20160217658A1 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2016-07-28 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method for displaying gaming result |
US20110118006A1 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2011-05-19 | Acres-Fiore Patents | Method for displaying gaming result |
US11727748B2 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2023-08-15 | Acres Technology | Gaming device |
US10186112B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2019-01-22 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Method for displaying gaming results |
US10347079B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2019-07-09 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having advance game information analyzer |
US10922929B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2021-02-16 | Acres Technology | Rapid play poker gaming device |
US9659429B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2017-05-23 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having advance game information analyzer |
US10497219B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2019-12-03 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Rapid play poker gaming device |
US9165435B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2015-10-20 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having advance game information analyzer |
US20110136566A1 (en) * | 2009-12-03 | 2011-06-09 | Acres-Fiore Patents | Rapid play poker gaming device |
US8684811B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2014-04-01 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having advance game information analyzer |
US9953490B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2018-04-24 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Rapid play poker gaming device |
US9240094B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2016-01-19 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Rapid play poker gaming device |
US11087589B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2021-08-10 | Acres Technology | Gaming device having advance game information analyzer |
US9916722B2 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2018-03-13 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Gaming device having advance game information analyzer |
US20110263309A1 (en) * | 2010-04-27 | 2011-10-27 | Igt | Runtime downloadable motion control profiles |
US11430290B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2022-08-30 | Acres Technology | Event-based gaming operations for gaming device |
US9728043B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2017-08-08 | Patent Investment & Licensing Company | Means for enhancing game play of gaming device |
US10783742B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2020-09-22 | Acres Technology | Event-based gaming operations for gaming device |
US11450177B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2022-09-20 | Acres Technology | Means for enhancing game play of gaming device |
US10964164B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2021-03-30 | Acres Technology | Means for enhancing game play of gaming device |
US11017626B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2021-05-25 | Acres Technology | Means for controlling payback percentage of gaming device |
US11488437B2 (en) | 2010-12-29 | 2022-11-01 | Acres Technology | Means for controlling payback percentage of gaming device |
US20140232063A1 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2014-08-21 | Omron Corporation | Movable object driving device and game machine |
US9787233B2 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2017-10-10 | Omron Corporation | Movable object driving device and game machine |
CN103226873A (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2013-07-31 | 环球娱乐株式会社 | Gaming machine conducting indication effect |
US20130196742A1 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2013-08-01 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Gaming machine conducting indication effect |
US20140200064A1 (en) * | 2013-01-15 | 2014-07-17 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Gaming machine and gaming method |
US9058718B2 (en) * | 2013-01-15 | 2015-06-16 | Universal Entertainment Corporation | Gaming machine and gaming method of performing rendering effect |
US9978204B2 (en) * | 2013-09-13 | 2018-05-22 | Konami Gaming, Incorporated | Gaming machine |
US20160225222A1 (en) * | 2013-09-13 | 2016-08-04 | Konami Gaming, Incorporated | Gaming machine |
US20150294529A1 (en) * | 2014-04-09 | 2015-10-15 | Wms Gaming Inc. | System and Method for Controlling Reel Motion in a Spinning Reel Gaming Machine |
US20150332545A1 (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2015-11-19 | Universal Entertainment Corporation | Gaming machine |
US11501599B2 (en) * | 2017-09-05 | 2022-11-15 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Electronic gaming machine and method having independently operable game display windows for single or multi-player play |
US11636725B2 (en) | 2017-09-05 | 2023-04-25 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Gaming machine having independent controls and displays for single and multi-player play |
US20200111327A1 (en) * | 2018-10-04 | 2020-04-09 | Everi Games, Inc. | Synchronized reel outcomes in reel games |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20130023330A1 (en) | 2013-01-24 |
CA2620525A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
AU2006285106B2 (en) | 2012-01-12 |
AU2006285106A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
CA2620525C (en) | 2015-01-20 |
US8047910B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 |
US8529334B2 (en) | 2013-09-10 |
WO2007027489A3 (en) | 2007-06-14 |
US8267772B2 (en) | 2012-09-18 |
WO2007027489A2 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
US20120028699A1 (en) | 2012-02-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8047910B2 (en) | Gaming machines having rhythmic reels | |
US5449173A (en) | Reel-type slot machine with supplemental payoff | |
JP5552676B2 (en) | Game machine | |
JP5754669B2 (en) | Game machine | |
JP2011194146A (en) | Game machine | |
JPH11290505A (en) | Game machine | |
JP2016101200A (en) | Game machine | |
JP2004065390A (en) | Game machine and its control method | |
JP5166649B2 (en) | Game machine | |
JP2016000304A (en) | Slot machine | |
JP2006311930A (en) | Game machine | |
JP2014069018A (en) | Game machine | |
JP5648249B2 (en) | Game machine | |
JP6593896B2 (en) | Game machine | |
JP6407340B1 (en) | Game machine | |
US20150294529A1 (en) | System and Method for Controlling Reel Motion in a Spinning Reel Gaming Machine | |
JP5656038B2 (en) | Game machine | |
JP2006006445A (en) | Game machine | |
JP2006026308A (en) | Game machine | |
JP6481247B1 (en) | Game machine | |
JP6523364B2 (en) | Gaming machine | |
JP2005205097A (en) | Game machine | |
JP2005152678A (en) | Game machine | |
JPWO2006016501A1 (en) | Game machine | |
JP2004141349A (en) | Game machine and program |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BALLY GAMING, INC., NEVADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ISAAC, BENJAMIN;MCALLISTER, JOHN K.;MCALLISTER, LAWRENCE;REEL/FRAME:017050/0811 Effective date: 20060117 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BALLY GAMING, INC., NEVADA Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE SECOND INVENTOR'S LAST NAME, PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 017050 FRAME 0811;ASSIGNORS:ISAAC, BENJAMIN;KEARNS, JOHN K.;MCALLISTER, LAWRENCE;REEL/FRAME:020708/0932 Effective date: 20060117 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, TE Free format text: AMENDED AND RESTATED PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:BALLY GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031745/0001 Effective date: 20131125 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BALLY GAMING INTERNATIONAL, INC., NEVADA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:034501/0049 Effective date: 20141121 Owner name: BALLY GAMING, INC, NEVADA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:034501/0049 Effective date: 20141121 Owner name: SHFL ENTERTAINMENT, INC, NEVADA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:034501/0049 Effective date: 20141121 Owner name: BALLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC., NEVADA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:034501/0049 Effective date: 20141121 Owner name: ARCADE PLANET, INC., NEVADA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:034501/0049 Effective date: 20141121 Owner name: SIERRA DESIGN GROUP, NEVADA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:034501/0049 Effective date: 20141121 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.;BALLY GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:044889/0662 Effective date: 20171214 Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS COLLATERA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.;BALLY GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:044889/0662 Effective date: 20171214 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.;BALLY GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:045909/0513 Effective date: 20180409 Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS COLLATERA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.;BALLY GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:045909/0513 Effective date: 20180409 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SG GAMING, INC., NEVADA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:BALLY GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:051642/0164 Effective date: 20200103 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:SG GAMING INC.;REEL/FRAME:059793/0001 Effective date: 20220414 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LNW GAMING, INC., NEVADA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:SG GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:062669/0341 Effective date: 20230103 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SG GAMING, INC., NEVADA Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 051642 FRAME: 0164. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:BALLY GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:063460/0211 Effective date: 20200103 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 12 |